In 2009, the Browns finished the season with the 31st ranked defense in the NFL in terms of yards allowed. In 2010, the Browns defense improved on that number finishing the season ranked 22nd. This year, the Browns are the 6th best defense in terms of yards allowed through seven games, a remarkable turnaround since the start of the 2009 season. The Browns recent defensive resurgence can be attributed in large part to the drafting of team general manager Tom Heckert. In last year’s draft, the Browns selected cornerback Joe Haden with the seventh overall pick from the University of Florida. In the second round, the Browns selected safety T.J. Ward from the University of Oregon with the 38th pick in the draft. Haden recorded six interceptions in his first season with the Browns, which ranked him second among rookies. Additionally, Ward led the team with 123 tackles, which led all rookies in that category. With the Browns switching from a 3-4 to a 4-3 defense under new defensive coordinator Dick Jauron, they needed more explosive players on the defensive line. In this year’s draft, the Browns elected to trade picks with the Atlanta Falcons rather than selecting wide receiver Julio Jones. Instead, the Browns picked 6-3, 334 pound defensive lineman Phil Taylor from Baylor University. In the 2nd round, the team selected defensive end Jaabal Sheard from the University of Pittsburgh. After the first seven games of the season, Taylor ranks second and Sheard ranks third in tackles by rookie defensive lineman. Furthermore, Taylor is tied for fourth among rookies in total sacks, and Sheard is tied for 1st among rookies with two forced fumbles. Although the Browns’ record is only 3-4, the defense has played better than expected throughout the first half of this NFL season. The Browns have only given up 299 yards per game, and have given up only 171.9 passing yard per game, sitting narrowly behind the Pittsburgh Steelers who have only surrendered 171.6 yards per contest. To be fair, the Browns have yet to square off against an elite quarterback, instead facing off against Bruce Gradkowski, Curtis Painter, Chad Henne, Matt Hasselback, Kyle Boller, Charlie Whitehusrt, and Alex Smith. Whereas the Pittsburgh Steelers rely on veteran defensive players to shut down opposing offense, the Browns are relying on talented young players who are continuing to get better week after week. The leader of the Brown’s defense is D’Qwell Jackson, who has been hampered by pectoral injuries each of the last two seasons. The Browns middle linebacker is tied for 6th in the NFL in tackles and his resurgence is one of the reasons the Browns defense is one of the best in the league. During the second quarter of their game against the San Francisco 49ers this past Sunday, the Browns found themselves down 10-0 and the 49ers threatening close to their end zone. On second and inches, Frank Gore rushed to the right for a one yard loss. On 3rd and 2, Frank Gore rushed up the middle for a one yard gain. And on 4th and 1, the 49ers elected to go for it, and Frank Gore rushed up the middle for no gain. The Browns are surely not a flashy defense, but they are a very disciplined one. For this reason, the Browns have limited opponents to 20 points a game, which is 8th best in the NFL. In only his second year of action, Joe Haden has become one of the best corners in the NFL. Although he has not recorded an interception, he is tied for third in the league with 10 pass break ups. Moreover, he has also shut down some big name wide receivers, holding A.J. Green to only 43 yards, Reggie Wayne to 66 yards and no touchdowns, Brandon Marshall to 43 yards and no touchdowns, and Sidney Rice to 38 yards and no touchdowns. The road will get tougher for the Browns defense, as they have still yet to face the Baltimore Ravens and the Pittsburgh Steelers, who are two best teams within their division. One thing is for sure though: if the Browns offense was playing as well as their defense, this team would be a lot better than their 3-4 record.